Johnny Marr to Auction Nearly 100 Guitars Including Smiths and Billie Eilish Classics

Explore Johnny Marr’s iconic guitar collection up for auction, featuring instruments from The Smiths and Billie Eilish, with proceeds going to charity.

A Treasure Trove of Guitars Hits the Auction Block

If you’ve ever swooned over the jangly, unmistakable guitar work of Johnny Marr, here’s a chance to glimpse—and maybe even own—a piece of music history. Nearly 100 guitars from Marr’s expansive collection are set to be auctioned off, including some rare gems he played with legendary bands like The Smiths and contemporary stars like Billie Eilish.

This isn’t just a fire sale but a heartfelt gesture, as Marr intends to donate the auction proceeds to charities, including The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association and The National Autistic Society. It’s a bittersweet moment for the guitarist, who has carried these instruments through decades of musical innovation and heartfelt performances.

From Book to Auction: The Journey of Marr’s Guitars

The idea to auction his guitars was sparked in 2023 while Johnny was crafting his book, Marr’s Guitars. This book is more than just a catalog—it’s a celebration of the stories behind each instrument, tracing Marr’s journey as a musician for over 50 years.

In a candid chat, Marr shared how the book gave him an excuse to pull all his guitars out of storage, but the thought of them just sitting away in a case felt “very weird.” He imagined how much joy other musicians and fans would get from owning and playing these guitars, rather than letting them gather dust.

“Once I got that idea in my head, I thought it was really much, much more, more appealing than them being in some glass case,” Marr revealed.

Iconic Guitars with Legendary Histories

This auction is not just about quantity but quality and historical significance. Among the illustrious instruments up for grabs:

• 1982 Rickenbacker 330 Jetglo: This guitar is the stuff of legends, played on classic Smiths hits like “This Charming Man” and “What Difference Does It Make.” Fun fact: Marr lent this very guitar to Noel Gallagher during the Definitely Maybe sessions, where it appeared on the cover of Oasis’s debut single “Supersonic.”
• 1984 Green Burst Telecaster: Remember The Smiths’ haunting performance on Top of the Pops in 1984? This Telecaster was the guitar behind that unforgettable moment.
• 2017 Fender Johnny Marr Signature Jaguar: Used extensively on Marr’s 2018 tour and famously on Billie Eilish’s Bond theme “No Time To Die,” this custom Jaguar blends vintage vibes with modern edge.

Other treasures include a 1971 12-string Martin D-28, which lent its shimmering tones to Smiths classics like “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out” and “Cemetery Gates,” plus the iconic 1984 Cherry Gibson Les Paul Standard. That Les Paul isn’t just a relic—it’s a workhorse used on The Smiths’ Meat Is Murder album, contributed to Gorillaz’s album The Mountain, and was even lent to New Order’s Bernard Sumner, featuring on the song “Regret.”

More Than Just Instruments: Guitars with ‘Chi’

For Marr, these guitars are more than wood and strings—they’re vessels of energy and creativity. He’s spoken often about how guitars carry a kind of “chi,” a life force imparted by the music played on them and the love given by their owners.

He recalled a conversation with an acupuncturist in Los Angeles who confirmed his belief: these guitars truly hold a spirit, a pulse that flows through every chord and riff.

“I once asked this acupuncturist, an old guy in Los Angeles years ago, about chi... He said, ‘Yeah, your guitars have got chi in.’ I was like, ‘I knew it! I knew it!’” — Johnny Marr

This mystical connection is evident in guitars like his Les Paul Custom, which he says still holds the “Pretenders chi” from their Glastonbury show, and many others tied to his work with Talking Heads, The Smiths, and more.

Auction Details and Charitable Giving

The auction will be hosted in two major cities: London and New York. Starting September 19 in London, the 95 lots will carry estimates ranging from about $1,200 up to $180,000, reflecting the rarity and legacy of each instrument.

Marr is clear that this isn’t just about selling guitars—it’s about passing on inspiration to new owners who will cherish and perhaps even create new music with these classic tools.

Christie’s Specialist Amelia Walker expressed excitement:

“These are the tools of a guitarist who continually strives to innovate, and whose unmistakable sound has inspired musicians and fans of all ages... We are delighted to be working with Johnny Marr to find new owners and new songs for these legendary instruments.”

A Storied Career Beyond The Smiths

While The Smiths remain a defining chapter, Johnny Marr’s musical journey is far from over. His collaborations stretch across an impressive roster, including acts like Blondie, The Cribs, The Pretenders, Talking Heads, and The The.

Just recently, Marr announced his fifth solo album, The Age Of Everything, set to release on October 2. It will be his first studio album since 2022’s Fever Dreams Pts 1–4, showcasing that Marr’s creativity is as vibrant as ever.

A Fan’s Reflection on Marr’s Legacy

For longtime fans like myself, Marr’s guitars are almost like old friends. They’ve delivered the soundtrack to countless moments—whether it’s the melancholic beauty of The Smiths or the modern mystique of Billie Eilish’s Bond theme. Seeing these instruments go to auction feels nostalgic but also hopeful, as they’ll find new homes filled with love and music.

FAQ

• What guitars are included in Johnny Marr’s auction? Nearly 100 guitars, including notable ones like the 1982 Rickenbacker 330, 1984 Green Burst Telecaster, 2017 Fender Johnny Marr Signature Jaguar, 12-string Martin D-28, and 1984 Cherry Gibson Les Paul Standard.
• Which famous songs feature these guitars? Classics like “This Charming Man” and “What Difference Does It Make” by The Smiths, Oasis’s “Supersonic”, Billie Eilish’s “No Time To Die”, and tracks from Gorillaz’s The Mountain.
• When and where will the auction take place? The auction will start on September 19 in London, with the guitars also displayed in New York over the summer.
• Where will the proceeds from the auction go? Johnny Marr is donating the proceeds to charities, including The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association and The National Autistic Society.
• What does Johnny Marr think about parting with his guitars? While bittersweet, Marr hopes the guitars bring joy and inspiration to new owners, carrying on the legacy of music and creativity he’s built over decades.

If you want to cherish a piece of musical history and celebrate the magic of guitars that shaped legendary tracks, consider shopping for your favorite album cover poster at our store. It’s a wonderful way to keep the spirit of these iconic artists alive in your space.